A Refined Outdoor Celebration Framed by Camelback Mountain

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”][/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The color palette was a refined blend of soft neutrals and fresh greens, designed to feel timeless yet organic within the natural desert setting. Shades of ivory, crisp white, and soft champagne served as the foundation, creating a clean and elegant canvas. These tones were complemented by lush greenery, primarily eucalyptus and ruscus, which added texture and a sense of movement throughout the space. Touches of gold were introduced through flatware, chair frames, and monogram details—adding warmth and subtle sophistication without overpowering the minimalist aesthetic. The overall effect was a harmonious balance between modern design and natural beauty, perfectly suited for an alfresco celebration beneath Camelback Mountain.

From the start, we both knew we wanted an outdoor wedding. We envisioned a place with consistently beautiful weather and breathtaking scenery, which made Scottsdale the perfect choice. We fell in love with Mountain Shadows the moment we saw it—the view of Camelback Mountain is simply stunning and felt like the perfect backdrop to start our forever. When it came to our wedding vision, I wanted to bring a romantic, Italian-inspired feel to the desert. Think long tables with soft candlelight, lush white florals, elegant chandeliers, and a dreamy ambiance. We designed each part of the day to feel like its own unique experience. The ceremony took place under a gorgeous chuppah with Camelback in the background, followed by a rooftop cocktail hour during golden hour. Dinner was held in a beautifully styled outdoor space full of romance, and then we transitioned into the ballroom for dancing. We wanted our guests to feel like they were stepping into another world—a true experience from start to finish. Music is a huge part of both our lives, and we channeled our love for music festivals into the energy of the night, from our song choices to the lighting. It felt like us in every single way. Our wedding planner brought our vision to life perfectly, and the day truly felt like a fairytale—we wouldn’t change a single thing.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

My husband and I actually go way back—we met in elementary school. After 13 years apart, fate brought us back together when we both moved to Chicago. From the moment we reconnected, we just knew. It felt like home. Jesse proposed in August 2023 during a trip to Aruba. As the sun set over the ocean, he asked me to take a walk along the beach. With the most beautiful sunset as our backdrop, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was pure magic.

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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]After we got engaged, I knew I wanted to wear an Israeli designer. My grandfather, a Holocaust survivor, instilled in me a deep connection to Judaism and Israel, so choosing a designer who represented that meant a lot. I traveled to Tel Aviv and, after just a few dresses at Galia Lahav, I found “the one.” The Maya dress made me feel like a true princess. I had always envisioned a mermaid silhouette, and no one does corsetry and fit quite like Galia Lahav—it hugged me in all the right places.

I also knew I wanted a second look for the reception, and once again, Galia Lahav was the only choice. Working with the team in New York, we created a custom, sparkly, drop-waist mini dress that perfectly matched what I had imagined in my head. I felt so confident, beautiful, and connected—to Israel, to my roots, and to this incredible moment in my life.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

For my bridesmaids, I envisioned a striking contrast between my white gown and their dresses. I know bridesmaid dresses can be hit or miss, so I wanted each of them to feel comfortable and beautiful. I gave them the freedom to choose any floor-length black dress that suited their style. The result was effortlessly elegant, cohesive, and uniquely them.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Guests at Rachel and Jesse’s wedding were treated to an unforgettable dining experience, expertly crafted by the award-winning chefs at Mountain Shadows Resort in Paradise Valley, Arizona—known for their creativity, precision, and passion for exceptional cuisine. The evening began with a curated selection of hors d’oeuvres that combined elevated comfort food with refined flavor. Petite grilled cheese bites offered a warm and nostalgic start, followed by shrimp and lobster cakes with a bold, spicy rémoulade. Mini beef Wellingtons with red wine demi provided a rich and savory bite, while Parmesan gougères added a touch of French-inspired elegance. Dinner began with a vibrant pear green salad, layered with shaved manchego, roasted walnuts, and a delicate sherry vinaigrette—a fresh and flavorful start to the main course. Guests then selected from three standout entrées. The black truffle-herb chicken was served alongside oven-dried tomatoes, broccolini, and honey-roasted fingerling potatoes. The lemon herb-crusted sea bass, topped with a silky basil butter sauce, was both light and indulgent. A vegetarian option of charred asparagus risotto with microgreens brought rich flavor and beautiful presentation. For those craving a classic, the filet of beef came paired with balsamic onion marmalade, haricot verts, whipped potatoes, and optional accompaniments of bleu cheese fondue and bacon-herb butter—creating a luxurious finish to a beautifully composed menu. Every detail of the meal showcased the resort’s culinary artistry and the couple’s impeccable taste, leaving a lasting impression on every guest.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Camelback Mountain, Rachel and Jesse’s wedding was a masterclass in modern elegance, brought to life with thoughtful details and a visionary design. Hosted on the iconic event lawn at Mountain Shadows Resort in Paradise Valley, the celebration featured what would become the resort’s most ambitious and elaborate ceremony-to-reception flip to date. As only the second wedding ever to transform the lawn in this way, it pushed creative boundaries—seamlessly converting the ceremony setting into a fully built-out reception in just 90 minutes. The ceremony began beneath a lush, floral-drenched chuppah, perfectly framed by the dramatic desert landscape. Clusters of white blooms and organic greenery created a romantic focal point that felt both grand and grounded. Rows of sleek white chairs with gold frames mirrored the couple’s chic, clean-lined aesthetic. Following the heartfelt vows, guests were invited to the cocktail hour as the lawn underwent a dramatic transformation. Under the expert direction of Cydney Lundahl with Westgate Events, the reception space was reimagined with sophistication and intention. Two 60-foot custom dining structures were built on the lawn, lined with white draping, eucalyptus-wrapped beams, and crystal chandeliers suspended overhead—offering all the elegance of a ballroom in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. As the sun dipped behind the mountain, the chandeliers cast a warm, ambient glow over the beautifully set tables below. Each place setting featured a tented menu sealed with a custom wax monogram, and the couple’s signature branding carried throughout the event day details—from the monogrammed bar to the ceremony program fans and the elevated seating chart display. These bespoke paper goods and signage pieces, designed in collaboration with Hannah of Arch & Arrow, brought a cohesive and elevated finish to every touchpoint of the guest experience. The bar itself was a focal moment—an elegant curved structure in crisp white, flanked by large urns overflowing with fresh blooms and backed by polished glassware displays. Nearby, the escort display was beautifully positioned at The Overlook, with sleek white pillars topped with floral arrangements. A meaningful quote—“I’d choose you in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds”—was displayed in gold lettering on the wall behind it, adding an emotional and personal touch to the space. Thanks to the vision of Cydney Lundahl and the creative contributions of her vendor partners, the event was flawlessly executed down to the last detail. From the seamless ceremony-to-reception flip to the personalized branding woven throughout the décor, this wedding was a true showcase of artistry, organization, and thoughtful design. A celebration where the desert met modern elegance, and where every moment felt as meaningful as it was beautiful. Behind the Design with Aspen Weeks of Mint Green Design Designing the florals for Rachel and Jesse’s wedding at Mountain Shadows was an unforgettable experience -one that required not only a deep understanding of their vision, but also careful logistical planning and an eye for scale. From the very first conversation, the couple envisioned a celebration that felt lush, romantic, and elevated – something that would honor the dramatic Camelback Mountain views while softening the desert terrain with refined garden-like beauty. Westgate Events and I spent months discussing how to bring this vision to life, especially around the architectural elements of the day: the chuppah, the dinner structures, and the custom bar and escort displays. Every floral detail was thoughtfully considered -how the flowers would climb, spill, and cascade; how the tones would feel under daylight and transition into evening glow; and how the scale would enhance rather than overpower the surroundings. For the ceremony, the focal point was the lush, garden-inspired chuppah. Built with natural materials and fully covered in layers of florals and greenery, the structure felt like it had grown organically from the lawn. We wanted layers of texture both in the greenery and floral varietals. We used a variety of variegated and dark green tones paired with the lighter green tones of hellebore, viburnum, and hydrangea, creating a luxurious base of texture and interest, adding in lush creamy white blooms of garden roses, peonies, majolika spray roses, ball dahlias, and hydrangea. The aisle was lined with meadow-style arrangements-dense but low -to create an immersive floral path without blocking the view of Camelback behind it. For the reception, we knew the transformation had to be seamless and stunning. The two 60-foot dinner structures were wrapped in greenery and topped with climbing floral installations. We chose to layer in delicate blooms like spray roses and garden roses to soften the architectural lines, while strategically placing florals around the base of the chandeliers to highlight their grandeur. Working with the draping and lighting team, we ensured that the chandeliers glowed softly through strands of foliage – a perfect balance of drama and romance. Tables were kept elegant and intentional. Centerpieces were low and lush, mixing soft white blooms like garden roses, ranunculus, and lisianthus with delicate filler flowers and layered greenery, including variegated tones and vining jasmine for natural texture and movement. No two arrangements were the same, but they all spoke the same visual language: fresh, natural, and refined. We also dressed the cake table, the escort display pillars, and the bar florals to feel cohesive but site-specific -each space treated as its own floral moment. Even the ceremony program fans were paired with matching floral displays to elevate the guest experience at every turn. Working alongside Cydney Lundahl of Westgate Events, who flawlessly produced this ambitious 90-minute flip, we were able to design a floral story that felt complete, from the first step down the aisle to the final toast under the stars. This wedding was more than a design -it was a full-scale transformation of space, season, and sentiment, and I am so proud to have been a part of it.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake from A Bake Shop was a timeless, all-white design featuring smooth vanilla buttercream and clean lines for a modern yet elegant look. Fresh florals were added onsite, cascading down the tiers to create a romantic and organic feel—perfectly complementing the overall aesthetic of the celebration.

In addition to the stunning cake, guests enjoyed a thoughtfully curated assortment of miniature desserts, offering something sweet for every palate:

Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies – A classic favorite in bite-sized form.

Mini Strawberry Cupcakes – Topped with rich cream cheese frosting for the perfect balance of tart and sweet.

Salted Caramel Macarons – A sophisticated treat with a hint of indulgent caramel and sea salt.

Mini Raspberry Cheesecakes – Creamy and vibrant, each bite bursting with berry flavor.

Fruit Tarts – Crisp shells filled with pastry cream and topped with fresh, colorful fruit.

Ricotta Cookies – Light, tender, and delicately sweet—an Italian-inspired finish to the dessert spread.

Together, the cake and mini desserts created a visually stunning and delicious finale to an unforgettable evening.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Live music played a central role in Rachel and Jesse’s ceremony, adding depth and emotion to each moment. It began with a cellist welcoming guests as they arrived, setting an elegant tone for the day. During the couple’s traditional Jewish ceremony, the beautiful vocals of Cantorial Soloist Emily Kaye brought a spiritual richness to the proceedings. Just as Rachel prepared to walk down the aisle, Bruce Kirkwood made a dramatic entrance with his electric violin—creating a powerful and unforgettable moment as she took her first steps toward Jesse. Bruce continued to play throughout the night, even through the reception, side by side with the DJ. “Curating the playlist for Jesse and Rachel really flexed my personal preferences, which is why it was so unforgettable. They had a clear vision inspired by Miami nightclubs—not just in the lighting and decor, but especially in the after-party vibes. As a proud Swiftie, Rachael wanted Taylor Swift to be woven throughout the night, from sweet acoustic moments to high-energy remixes. Pair that with her love for EDM, and we crafted a soundtrack that was both personal and electric. When guests stepped into the after-party space, it felt like entering a different world—one where love, music, and celebration collided on the dance floor. Truly a night to remember.” – Tyler Sherman, DJ and Owner of Engage Entertainment

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]We wanted to make sure the beautiful chuppah could still be a focal point even after the ceremony. We decided to place a large chandelier in the middle and use it as the backlighting for the couple behind their sweetheart table. See photo[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

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